Mary Ann Gorschlüter grew up and studied in her native Kenya. She got a diploma as a veterinarian assistant, but, as she tells us, she hardly ever practiced her profession. Instead caring for her fellow human beings became more and more her life’s dedication. And this, she says goes well with her name, “wacuka” - in kikuyu is means “wrapped in cloths”, that’s someone who is well taken care of and/ or, the carer.

Mary Ann followed her love, and then-husband to Germany. She left behind a well-loved life-style and culture and a functioning life. There were a number of years that she even regretted leaving – as she tells us in reflection. But, Mary Ann grew strong on the challenges, and moved on to strengthen others: “the things that worried me, are the things I can make someone else strong from”.

For a number of years now, Mary Ann has worked with refugees in a camp run by Malteser. In her descriptions, observations and reflections, Mary Ann takes us on a journey of, and in between different perspectives. Having gone through the difficult journey of migration and integration herself, she now can assist new-comers with experience and empathy; and she does so jointly with, and from within the local Black community.

Having recently relocated from a life in town to the German countryside, provides her with yet with deeper images and means of reflecting on her experiences. We recorded the interview in Mary Ann’s new home in Hoetmar.

Blog post:

https://wp.me/pmTSx-C1

A remix dedicated to Wacuka and her story

https://fairplaynetwork.bandcamp.com/track/radio-continental-drift-wacuka

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